Robert Jefferson Dunn

Robert's Story

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TAHLEQUAH – Funeral services for Robert Jefferson “RJ” Dunn will be held on Thursday, Feb. 11, at 2 p.m. at Reed-Culver Chapel with Pastor Ron Pugh officiating. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 10, at Reed-Culver Chapel from noon until 6 p.m. Interment will be held at Tahlequah City Cemetery. Online condolences for Robert’s family may be left at www.reedculver.com. Pallbearers for Robert include Jason Dunn, Johnny Dunn, Jeffrey Dunn, Michael Arthurs, Mickey Sowell, and Gage Fisher. Honorary pallbearers include Tamara Arthurs, Jeriah Scott, Bridget Flowers, and Cody Sowell. Robert Jefferson “RJ” Dunn was born on Nov. 25, 1930, in Savanna, Okla., the son of Adolphus and Martha (Porter) Dunn. He attended school and then enlisted into the US Army, serving honorably during the Korean War and Vietnam War. RJ would make serving his country a life-long career, and served in Fort Jackson, S.C., as a drill instructor, making soldiers efficient and safe. He also served overseas and for a time, was Missing In Action. From 1949 until 1969, RJ molded lives, and did his part to keep America strong, by making strong soldiers. He married the love of his life, Velma Sue Wilson, on Aug. 30, 1955, in Benton County, Arkansas. This union was blessed with two sons and two daughters: Franklin, William, Susan, and Kelly. He was the best of a loving husband, father and grandfather. He went to work making a second career of recreational manager at the Recreation Center at Northeastern State University. He loved working with the young people, and they, in turn, loved RJ. He never knew a stranger, just friends he hadn’t met yet. He was a practical joker and could tease the smile onto anyone’s face – with a joke, a smile or just a hug. He loved any chance he got to be with his wife, children, or grandchildren. They were his favorite people on earth. Quiet time was spent with a good book, or shooting a game of pool. Velma passed from this life and RJ remained close to his loved ones, enjoying the time they had left. The Lord called this wonderful father and friend home on Feb. 7, 2016, in Tahlequah, Okla., at the age of 85. He will be greatly missed. RJ is preceded in death by his parents; his beloved, Velma; one brother, Victor Dunn; and three sisters, Palestine Dunn, Elgin Smith, and Grace Joiner. Those left to survive RJ and cherish his memory include his beloved children, Franklin Dunn and wife Carolyn, William Dunn and wife Gina, both of Tahlequah, daughters Susan Schade of Taneville, Mo., and daughter Kelly Sowell and husband Mickey of Mounds, Okla. His legacy lives on in 13 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and many grateful soldiers who called him “Sarge.” Reed-Culver Funeral Home, 117 W. Delaware, 918-456-2551.